How to Use a Glass Bong

Using a glass bong for the first time can feel a bit confusing—how much water to add, where to light it, how to inhale properly. But once you understand the basics, it quickly becomes one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to smoke.

At Bong Warehouse, we stock high-quality glass bongs made from durable borosilicate glass—built for clean hits, better filtration, and a smoother session every time. Our pieces aren't just tools—they're part of the ritual.

Ready to stop guessing and start enjoying? Stick around—we’ll walk you through everything step by step so you can get the most out of your next session.

Why Use a Glass Bong?

Glass bongs are a top pick for many cannabis users because they deliver smooth hits and come with several practical benefits. Here's why they’re worth using:

• Strong and Long-Lasting: Glass bongs made from borosilicate glass are strong and built to handle regular use. They don’t break easily from heat or small drops, which means they can last a long time.
• Cleaner Taste: Borosilicate glass doesn’t soak up smells or leftover flavors, so every hit tastes fresh and clean. You’ll get the true flavor of your weed without any weird aftertaste from past sessions.
• Nice to Look At: Many glass bongs come in cool shapes, colors, and patterns. They’re not just tools—they also look good and can be a stylish part of your setup.
• Easy to Clean: Glass bongs are simple to keep clean. Because the surface doesn’t hold onto smells or gunk like plastic or metal, they stay fresher for longer. If your bong has parts you can take apart, it’s even easier to wash each piece properly.
• Can Be Customized: You can change up your glass bong to match how you like to smoke. Want smoother hits? Add a percolator. Need a different water level? You can adjust it. Glass bongs give you the freedom to create the smoking setup that works best for you.

If you're after smoother hits, cleaner taste, and a bong that’s built to last, glass is the way to go. It’s reliable, easy to maintain, and customizable—making every session more enjoyable and worth it.

How to Use a Glass Bong

If you're new to glass bongs, the process might seem a little awkward at first—but it's actually pretty simple. Follow these steps and you'll be hitting like a pro in no time:

1. Fill the bong with water: Pour clean, cold water into the base of the bong. The downstem should be submerged about 2–3 cm in water. This helps filter and cool the smoke.
2. Pack your bowl: Grind your herb evenly and pack it into the bowl—not too tight, not too loose. You want good airflow without bits flying into the water.
3. Place your lips inside the mouthpiece: Form a seal with your lips on the inside of the bong’s mouthpiece—not around it like a straw.
4. Light the bowl while inhaling slowly: As you light the bowl, start inhaling gently through the mouthpiece. You’ll see the chamber fill with smoke. Don’t rush—it’s not a race.
5. Pull the bowl or slide out the downstem: Once the chamber is full, remove the bowl or lift the downstem to clear the bong. Inhale the remaining smoke in one smooth breath.
6. Exhale and enjoy: After the hit, exhale and take a moment. That’s the beauty of a bong—cool, filtered, and full-bodied smoke.

Optional Tips:

• Add ice cubes if your bong has an ice catcher for an extra cool hit.
• Start with small hits until you get used to how strong the effect can be.
• Change the water regularly for a fresher taste and smoother smoke.

Different Types of Glass Bongs

Glass bongs aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in a variety of shapes and setups—each offering a unique smoking experience. Here’s a closer look at the most common types and what makes each one stand out.

Straight Tube Bongs

These bongs have a simple, vertical design—just a straight tube connected to the base. They provide a fast, direct path for smoke, resulting in strong, quick hits. Since there are fewer parts and chambers, they’re easy to clean and maintain. Great for beginners or anyone who prefers a no-fuss setup.

Beaker Bongs

Beaker bongs have a wide, conical base that looks like a science beaker. This design holds more water, which helps cool the smoke better and makes each hit smoother. The sturdy base also adds stability—less chance of tipping over. Beaker bongs are a solid all-rounder for both daily use and sharing with friends.

Percolator Bongs

These bongs include one or more built-in filters (called percs) that break the smoke into tiny bubbles. This extra diffusion increases surface area, cools the smoke, and filters out more impurities. There are many types of percs—tree, showerhead, honeycomb, etc.—each with slightly different effects. These bongs are ideal for people who want smoother, cleaner hits.

Recycler Bongs

Recycler bongs use a looped water system that keeps the smoke and water moving through multiple chambers. This continuous circulation cools and filters the smoke more than once before it reaches your mouth. They also help reduce splashback. These are great for flavor chasers and people who want ultra-smooth inhales.

Multi-Chamber Bongs

Also known as double or triple-chamber bongs, these are like having two or more bongs stacked in one. The smoke travels through multiple water chambers for repeated filtration and cooling. This results in a super-smooth experience, though these bongs are usually taller and a bit trickier to clean.

Mini Bongs

Mini bongs offer all the basics in a compact size. They're usually under 8 inches tall, easy to carry, and simple to store. They don’t filter or cool smoke as much as larger bongs, but they’re perfect for quick sessions or traveling. Some mini bongs still come with features like percs or ice catchers.

Ice Bongs

Ice bongs include an ice catcher—small notches or pinches in the neck of the bong that hold ice cubes above the water chamber. As smoke passes over the ice, it cools down even more, leading to a much smoother and chillier hit. These are especially popular with users who find regular smoke too harsh on the throat.

No matter your smoking style, there's a glass bong that fits the bill. Whether you want something simple, artistic, portable, or loaded with filtration power—knowing your options helps you find the perfect match for your next session.

Make Every Session Count

Mastering the glass bong doesn’t just improve your sessions—it changes the way you experience your herb. Once you know how to use it, clean it, and choose the right type for your needs, each session becomes smoother, more flavorful, and more satisfying. It's not just about getting high—it’s about doing it right. Whether you're after cool, filtered hits or want to experiment with percs and recyclers, your bong setup can make all the difference.

At Bong Warehouse, we’re not here to sell you just any glass bong—we’re here to help you smoke smarter. Our collection features quality borosilicate pieces designed for everyday use, with options for beginners and seasoned users alike. Still have questions or want to upgrade your setup? Explore our range, get expert tips, and make each session better than the last.